It’s the weekend! Whether you’re a planner or prefer spontaneity, whether you’ve got tons of commitments or time on your hands, crafting your perfect weekend can be like mixing a custom recipe for joy and restoration.
Different Life Stages
When my kids were younger, weekends were an adventure. We’d often “see where the car takes us,” making impromptu trips around town or slightly further afield. These usually included an outdoor activity or something like the Children’s Museum or Minnesota Zoo, a family-pleasing lunch at TGIFridays, and the soothing hum of the car lulling the kids to sleep on the ride home.
When the kids were older, my trusty orange bag was always by my side, stuffed with papers to grade so I could get a few things done during activities ranging from voice lessons at MacPhail to tennis practice at LifeTime.
With the kids grown and my weekends my own, I cherish the unstructured time that allows me to simply be and for my husband to immerse in his latest woodworking projects.
No matter your life stage, weekends are a deviation from your Monday-to-Friday routine and a prime opportunity to concoct something soothing.
Weekend Intentions – A Popular Topic
Drawing on insights from a couple of enlightening reads—Best Life and The Wall Street Journal—it’s clear how we choose to fill our weekends can profoundly impact our happiness and productivity. The key ingredients? Intention and unstructured time.
We can find greater joy, meaning, and purpose by intentionally choosing how we spend our days off. This could mean setting aside time for hobbies, planning a get-together with friends, or simply allowing for a few hours of unscheduled meandering.
The formula for a fulfilling weekend isn’t one-size-fits-all but is more of a flexible recipe. Here’s a basic ‘recipe’ to consider:
- Restoration: Quality sleep and maybe a short nap to shake off the week.
- Joy: Engage in hobbies that light you up—gardening, reading, or cooking.
- Connection: Spend quality time with loved ones or reconnect with old friends.
- Purpose: Reflect on your achievements and set goals for the week ahead.
- Spontaneity: Leave room for the unexpected. Sometimes, the best moments come from the least planned activities.
So, what’s your recipe for a great weekend? I encourage you to consider your weekend plans as ingredients you stock up on—always ready to mix and match to suit your current mood and needs. Keep it flexible and nourishing, and let your weekend concoction rejuvenate and prepare you for the week ahead.
Two Links Du Jour:
The Science-Backed Schedule for Your Perfect Weekend – The Wall Street Journal
Two Minutes Du Jour 
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